Kia orana! Ni sa bula! Namaskaram! Mālō e lelei! Talofa lava! Faka’alofa lahi atu! Fakatalofa atu! Gude! Tēnā koutou! Warm Pacific greetings! And welcome to those students and aiga new to Hagley this year.

Aiga Pasifika tutor group in 2022

2022 has seen the introduction of a new ‘vertical’ tutor group for Pasifika students led by Fa’atu Tamate. Students from Years 10-13 who whakapapa to the Pacific have been able to opt in to this group, and Year 9 ākonga will have the same option to join later in the year. If you are interested in this option or would like any further information please contact Fa’atu, Emma Lumb or the Enrolment Centre.

Polyfest

And the word on everyone’s lips…! While Polyfest’s return to Hagley Park has been delayed until next year due to Covid restrictions, we are in full preparations for the live-stream version. Practices of our Samoan sasa and siva are well underway, and we are beginning to learn a Fijian pese. It’s great to have Kapa Haka joining us in preparations and on stage, and senior students are able to gain NCEA credits for their performances, but our main focus in Polyfest is to celebrate our Pacific stories, cultures and identities.

For students who are keen, it’s not too late to join us! Come along to W1 on Monday lunchtime or to P2 (dance studio) at tutor time. We’d especially love to hear from any of our Fijian students who are new to the school!

If you would like to be notified of the details for the livestream, please contact Fa’atu.

Aiga connections

We had hoped to be able to start this year off with a face-to-face fono, but of course, plans have had to change. In this context, the increased time that Fa’atu has in her Pasifika Liaison role has become even more important in building aiga connections with the school. While we are restricted to online events for families and visitors, please be in touch with Fa’atu or anyone in our Vaega Pasifika if you have ideas, questions or concerns.

Fa’atu can be contacted via email at: faatu.tamate@staff.hagley.school.nz